Preparation

• 1). Participate in practice sessions. Most sanctioning bodies schedule regular practices on the days leading up to the race. Practice is used to evaluate the course and the performance of the race car as it relates to that racecourse.
  
  
• 2). Learn the racecourse. Memorize every corner, as well as the esses and straight-aways. Look for areas leading into and out of corners that afford room to pass another car. Every racecourse has a fast line and a safe line. Find the fastest racing line.
  
  
• 3). Determine which gear allows you to enter and exit a particular corner with speed and control. Understand that applying power in a corner causes the car to rotate on its center axis. Too much power can break the rear tires loose. The right amount of power rotates the race car on a tighter line and points the front end toward the exit of the corner.
  
  
• 4). Discuss the course and the car's performance with your pit crew. Describe any problems you had with control or getting the race car back up to speed, and the nature of the particular situation. This allows the crew to make changes in tire pressure or gearing that maximizes the car's performance.
  
  
• 5). Find a quiet place and go over the racecourse from start to finish in your mind. Any gray areas usually suggest the need to work on that section of the course. Each section of the course transitions to the next, and the individual sections combine to make a complete circuit.
  
  Use the time alone to formulate a plan based on maintaining the fastest racing line through each section, and saving the brakes and tires. Apply your plan during the final practice session.
  
  

Racing

• 1). Remain patient at the start and during the early laps of the race. Use your mirrors. Once again: Use your mirrors. Be aware of the cars around you and cars approaching from behind. Apply your plan and race as efficiently and as fast as possible. Recognize certain moves other drivers make, as well as the racing line they prefer. Learning other driver's tendencies allows you to set them up for passes. Allow your instincts to work to your advantage.
  
  
• 2). Maintain your racing line, especially when setting up for a corner. Faster cars will either slow and follow you into a corner, or hole-shot and pass before the corner. Use late-braking techniques to get into the corners quickly. Begin applying power and get your speed up as you exit the corners.
  
  
• 3). Anticipate an opportunity to pass. Wait until the other car settles into its racing line before passing. This may be on a straight on in a corner. Draft faster cars at every opportunity to save fuel and gain speed.
  
  
• 4). Work your way through the field using your skill, vision and the power of your race car.
  
  Time your moves during the race so you have the advantage going into the last lap and through the final turn that heads to the finish line. Thank your pit crew and all those involved for their efforts.